Grateful
Basic Information
Instrumentation: Choir (SATB) and fixed electronics
Duration: 2:45
Year composed: 2021
Description
Performed by members of C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective and C4 Network choirs in March 2021
"Grateful" was written between December 2020 and March 2021, a period that felt like "pandemic limbo:" a vaccine existed, but getting an appointment was nearly impossible; there was an end in sight, but we had no idea when that end would come. I was grappling with seemingly contrary emotions - frustrated about the day-to-day grind of pandemic life, but truly grateful that my loved ones were still virus-free. I felt that many people were going through this, and needed to express it in song. The rhythmic drone represents the daily "sameness," and the synth track evokes our ever-growing dependence on technology to connect with each other. My hope is that this piece can help us reflect on life during the pandemic.
Lyrics
I wake up each morning
I get a bowl of cereal
I just can’t watch the news again.
I remember I’m grateful
The morning shower, the morning coffee.
I work from nine-to-five,
Monday through Friday (working)
The world is on fire (but I’m working)
Must remember, I’m grateful
Here, in my shelter,
Warm, safe, hibernating,
Home
This has to be enough for now.
The evening comes at last
I get some food on the table
The sun sets earlier now.
Time to turn on the screen again.
And you are safe
And healthy
And I am grateful.
Recording & Score
How to Purchase
Interested in performing this piece? Learn about score pricing and purchasing.